Marriage is an important institution all around the world, but right here in Nigeria, it even has a deeper meaning, and it is an essential part of Nigerian culture. In Nigeria, there are different types of marriages, each with its unique characteristics, customs, and traditions. Understanding the different types of marriages in Nigeria is very essential, especially for those who are planning to get married or for those who are interested in Nigerian culture.
Types Of Marriages In Nigeria
We will be discussing this based n two categories. The first is a classification based on the partnership within the marriage, and the second is a classification based on the marriage celebration.
See Also: How To Meet Mature Quality Singles Near You – 6 Tips
Monogamous Marriage
This is the most common type of marriage in Nigeria. In a monogamous marriage, a man is allowed to marry only one wife. Nigerian law recognizes it, and it is the only type of marriage that is legally recognized in Nigeria.
Polygamous Marriage
In a polygamous marriage, a man is allowed to marry more than one wife. Just like monogamous marriage, Nigerian law also recognizes it and is common in many parts of Nigeria, especially in the northern part of the country.
Common-Law Marriage
Common-law marriage is a type of marriage that is not recognized by Nigerian law. It is a union between two people who live together and act as if they are married, but they are not legally married.
Civil Marriage
A civil partnership is a legal relationship entered into by a couple that provides them with similar legal rights as married couples. A civil partnership can take place between both opposites-sex and same-sex couples. Though it is recognized by Nigerian law as an alternative to marriage, it is illegal for couples of the same sex in Nigeria.
You Might Like: Signs of a Toxic Relationship – 10 Signs of a Toxic Relationship You Should not Ignore
However, before the advent of colonization, different cultures in the current geographical space called Nigeria celebrated marriage ceremonies traditionally. Although the celebration rites vary from place to place, these marriages were enmeshed in culture and traditions.
Howbeit, since the advent of colonization and recent neocolonialism, Nigerians and indeed Africans have imbibed other forms of marriages including Islamic marriages, Christian marriages commonly referred to as
“white weddings” and court weddings. Below, we discuss all these types of marriage celebrations.
In other, to be recognized as a married couple in Nigeria, you must pass through at least one or two of the marriage celebrations.
Read Also: Emotional Infidelity – 10 Signs Your Partner is Cheating
Marriage Celebrations In Nigeria
Traditional/Customary Marriage
Traditional marriage is a type of marriage that is performed according to the customs and traditions of the people in Nigeria. They usually perform traditional marriages in the bride’s village/hometown, and it involves a lot of cultural rites and traditions.
The bride kindred performs the traditional rites and officially gives the bridegroom blessings. Traditional marriages are still very popular in Nigeria, and they are an essential part of Nigerian culture.
Before the traditional marriage, there is the introduction. The essence of this is for both families to get acquainted with each other and discuss the bride’s price and list issued. They also discussed the wedding dates during the introduction in most cases.
Court/Statutory Marriage
This is a marriage that is performed under the provisions of the Marriage Act, which is a federal law that governs marriage in Nigeria. A court marriage is a type of marriage that is recognized by Nigerian law.
They are usually performed in a court of law or registry, and it is a legal way to get married in Nigeria. This type of marriage is becoming more popular in Nigeria, especially among young couples.
Religious Marriage
Religious marriage consists of Christian and Islamic marriage, which will be discussed below.
-
Christian Marriage
Christian marriage is a type of marriage that is performed according to Christian traditions and customs. It is recognized by Nigerian law, and it is common among Christian couples in Nigeria. Christian marriages are performed by a Christian Clergyman, and they usually involve a lot of religious rites and traditions.
-
Islamic Marriage
Islamic marriage is a type of marriage that is performed according to Islamic law. It is recognized by Nigerian law, and it is common among Muslim couples in Nigeria. An Islamic cleric performed Islamic marriages, and they usually involve a lot of religious rites and traditions.
Conclusion
Nigeria is a country with diverse cultures and traditions, and there are different types of marriages in Nigeria. Each type of marriage has its unique characteristics, customs, and traditions.
Though these types of marriages have been listed, keep in mind that we have three prominent recognized marriages in Nigeria which are the customary marriage, the civil marriage, the traditional marriage, and the religious marriage (Christian and Islamic marriage).
The marriage process is simplified in Nigeria because couples have various marriage options to explore. However, it is a common practice in Nigeria that a single couple may conduct at least 3 types of marriage together.
Other Articles For You: Best Dermatologist-Recommended Skin Care For Women
